Back in his hometown with the Socceroos for the first time since he left Adelaide as a 16-year-old, defender Ryan McGowan said he had a few nerves before the match, but was pleased he could get on the pitch from the start.

Adelaide-born Socceroo Ryan McGowan has spoken of his pride in returning to his city of birth for the first time to represent Australia in their World Cup Qualifier against Tajikistan on Thursday evening.